Which function does an ABR perform in a network?

An Area Border Router (ABR) plays a vital role in managing the flow of routing information across different areas in an OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) network. One of its primary functions is to maintain multiple Link State Databases (LSDBs). Each area in an OSPF network has its own LSDB that contains the routing information specific to that area.

When an ABR connects two or more OSPF areas, it is responsible for keeping these LSDBs separate and managing the inter-area routing. This means that the ABR will summarize and optimize routing information as it shares necessary updates between areas, while ensuring that each area has a unique LSDB reflective of its topology. This function is crucial for maintaining efficient and scalable routing within large OSPF networks, enabling different areas to operate independently while still communicating when necessary.

In contrast, other options relate to functions that are not characteristic of the ABR. For instance, generating Type 1 LSAs is typically performed by routers within an area, not by an ABR, which instead deals with area boundary functions. Processing single area routing is incompatible with the ABR’s purpose, as it specifically serves multiple areas. Ignoring link state information would also be